2nd order laboratory parameters – depending on the results of the history, physical examination and the obligatory laboratory parameters – for differential diagnostic clarification
- Small blood count
- Urine status (rapid test for: pH, leukocytes, nitrite, protein, glucose, ketone, urobilinogen, bilirubin, blood), sediment if necessary, urine culture if necessary (pathogen detection and resistogram, i.e. testing of suitable antibiotics for sensitivity/resistance) [proteinuria/increased excretion of protein with the urine in the case of edema (water retention) of renal (kidney-related) origin].
- Electrolytes – sodium, potassium
- Fasting glucose (fasting blood sugar)
- Thyroid parameters – TSH [hypothyroidism/underactive thyroid].
- Liver parameters – alanine aminotransferase (ALT, GPT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST, GOT), glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (γ-GT, gamma-GT; GGT ).
- Renal parameters – urea, creatinine.
- NT-proBNP (N-terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide) – for suspected heart failure (cardiac insufficiency).
- Hormone tests, especially cortisol or insulin (fasting insulin).
- Pregnancy test (quantitative HCG).
